This winter, the Northwestern Connecticut YMCA held its annual Freezin’ for a Reason event to bring awareness to the persistent issue of homelessness in the community while supporting the work of the homeless shelter at the Winstead YMCA branch.
During the event, participants spent a night outside overnight in the freezing temperatures. They can pitch a tent, a cardboard box or sleep under the stars as they experience what it’s like to be homeless.
There’s no registration fee, but participants/teams are asked to raise funds for the cause and get sponsorships for their night in the cold. Below, Willem Donahue, the director of operationsat the Torrington YMCA branch of the Northwestern Connecticut YMCA, takes part in a Q&A with Community Rec Magazine and shares what makes the event successful.
1. Detail how long your YMCA has been doing the Freezin’ for a Reason event and why this idea become a reality?
This was our 13th Annual Freezin’ for a Reason event, with the first taking place in 2012. The idea was to create an advocacy event that helped shine a light on the persistent issue of homelessness in our area and to raise money to support the operations of the Winchester Emergency Shelter, a 16-bed homeless shelter housed at our Winsted YMCA.
2. Describe how this winter’s event went for the YMCA and community.
We have a core group of supporters who attend each year and contribute greatly to our fundraising efforts through their own social and professional networks. We also welcome new faces yearly who are eager to show their support and learn about our mission.
The event takes place about a mile from our shelter on the town green. This is a town-sanctioned event and the location affords us high visibility in the community. We had about 45 people attend this year with around 20 sleepers. This year was probably our coldest on record with a low temperature of around 15 degrees.
3. How has the event evolved over time?
This has certainly grown over time with the first year featuring the four founding members sleeping on lawn chairs on the green. Last year we saw our highest attendance with around 75 participants. We’ve seen new supporters step in to make the event impactful including our local Veterans of Foreign Wars post, Boy Scout Troops, members of town government, small businesses, large corporations and homeless advocates from around the area.
4. Detail your feelings about the event and how it’s benefitted the Y.
From an advocacy perspective, Freezin’ is about gratitude and awareness. The importance of quality shelter and sleep isn’t ignorable after a night in the cold. Most of us will wake up, head home and make up the missed hours in our warm bed. Those experiencing homelessness don’t have this option. They will have to spend the rest of their day exhausted, uncomfortable and seeking out warmth, which makes it extremely difficult to overcome the obstacles standing between them and permanent housing.
From a fundraising perspective, the event is key for helping us balance our budget which includes needs for new equipment and building costs that aren’t covered in our state contract.
5. What advice/tips do you have for other community rec leaders for creating unique events that help assist needy individuals in the community?
My advice would be to lead with your mission and make others feel part of it. Our mission is to end homelessness one household at a time. By giving our participants this experience, they develop a personal understanding of why our services are so vital.
